WOMEN'S ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMITTEE NOTES BANGLADESH'S COMMITMENT TO WOMEN'S ADVANCEMENT, STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF IMPLEMENTING EXISTING LAWS

24 July 1997

Press Release
WOM/998

WOMEN'S ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMITTEE NOTES BANGLADESH'S COMMITMENT TO WOMEN'S ADVANCEMENT, STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF IMPLEMENTING EXISTING LAWS

19970724 Bangladesh's Withdrawal of Reservations To Some Provisions of Convention Welcomed by Committee Experts

Commenting on the combined third and fourth periodic reports of Bangladesh, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women yesterday afternoon noted the political will and commitment of its Government to the advancement of women's rights, but stressed the need for coordination in the work of various ministries. They emphasized the importance of implementing laws already in existence and said there was a need for advocacy in raising the social status of women.

The need for strong measures to counter violence against women was stressed, as was the need for programmes to overcome stereotypes. In that regard, the establishment of a legal commission to review family law was noted. Experts wondered about the reasons behind an increase in incidents of acid throwing on women. Such incidents seemed to have doubled within four months in 1996, they said. Attention was also drawn to the cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments handed down by religious courts in rural areas. Those punishments, including such practices as stoning, were a clear violation of human rights.

Experts focused on the need to give priority attention to rural women. In that connection, they wanted to know if rural women had access to land. On the subject of dowry, an expert noted being struck by the statement that the phenomenon was both recent and widespread. She wondered if the custom had been latent for a long time, but had not been recognized as such. Further, she asked if it was possible that dowry had been introduced by contacts with foreigners.

Questions were raised about how the Government planned to deal with the problem of unequal wages for equal work of equal value. It was noted that the Grameen Bank seemed to be the only bank which gave loans to women without requiring the prior consent of their husbands. It was important for the other banks to recognize that right, it was said.

Noting the significance of women as Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, experts asked whether the two had held public or elective office before. Further, they inquired about action contemplated to fill the quota for parliamentary seats which were still vacant. Questions were also asked about whether the Government planned to expand its affirmative action programmes into other areas. In addition, experts inquired about efforts to sensitize members of the legal profession on issues of gender equality.

Information was also sought on government action to encourage the registration of births and marriages and to provide health care facilities and employment opportunities for rural women. In addition, experts wanted to know of possibilities for the expansion of legal aid provided by the Government and whether similar schemes were run by non-governmental organizations.

Bangladesh's withdrawal of its reservations to some provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women relating to equal rights for women in the area of family benefits and the guardianship and adoption of children was welcomed by the monitoring body for the Convention.

Experts urged the Government to continue the momentum by withdrawing its remaining reservations. Particular concern was expressed regarding Bangladesh's reservation to article 2 of the Convention, under which States parties agree to combat discrimination against women in various ways, including ensuring that public authorities and institutions refrain from any discriminatory act or practice.

The Acting Chairperson, the expert from Ghana, Charlotte Abaka, praised the Government of Bangladesh for sending a high level delegation to present its report. The report had given Committee members a clear view of the progress achieved in the promotion of the rights of women and the difficulties that women still faced because of the traditional cultural and religious practices.

The 23-member expert Committee reviews reports of States parties submitted in accordance with article 18 of the Convention. That article requires States to submit reports within one year after accession, and thereafter at least every four years. Such reports are to focus on legislative, judicial and administrative measures adopted by States to give effect to the Convention's provisions.

The next Committee meeting will be announced in the Journal.

Response by Bangladesh

ABDULLAH HAROON PASHA, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs, responding to some of the questions, said the Government had come to

Women's Anti-Discrimination Committee - 3 - Press Release WOM/998 358th Meeting (PM) 24 July 1997

power only a year ago and was committed to women's issues. That should be evident in its withdrawal of two of its reservations to the Convention.

The education of girls was a priority and primary education was free, he said. The Government had received assistance from a number of donors, including the World Bank, to expand secondary education for girls. Replying to a question about women in politics, he said the quotas for women's representation in Parliament had been very useful, and had also helped sensitize male parliamentarians about gender issues.

Justice NAIMUDDIN AHMED, a former judge of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, said women might be appointed to the Law Reform Commission when it was expanded in the future. The statute which established it had provided for three members. Replying to questions about the reservation to article 2 of the Convention, he said the Government had not refused to withdraw the reservations, but was reviewing it to ensure that its provisions did not conflict with the country's Islamic Personal Law. The reservation to article 16 (c) was also being reviewed.

In reply to a question on possible challenge to the Islamic Law in the Supreme Court, he said that because of the deep conviction held about the Koran it would be difficult for any citizen to take such action. On the issue of inheritance, he said it was not correct to state that women had no access to land. They had every right of inheritance, the only discrimination was in the sharing of property. Polygamous marriages had become very rare in Bangladesh, he said, and observed that the Koran did not mandate but permitted it.

He told the Committee that there were private legal aid organizations and that they had been working effectively, and were growing stronger. Human rights norms and regulations were explained widely, including in the rural areas.

NAJMA CHOWDHURY, Professor of Political Science at Dhaka University, said day-care centres had been set up and more were planned by the Government. Private organizations had also established similar facilities. Replying to questions about the country's female Prime Minister and woman Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, she said both hailed from political backgrounds. The Prime Minister came from a political family and had entered politics early as a student. The Leader of the Opposition had taken over the leading opposition party after the assassination of her husband. The two women wielded power and influence within their parties. Their roles were in no way symbolic.

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